Category: Cryptocurrency

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Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, has drawn significant attention with its recent token swap. On Wednesday, the platform exchanged $10 million worth of Coinbase Global Inc.’s (NASDAQ:COIN) wrapped Bitcoin (cbBTC) for WBTC, an alternative wrapped Bitcoin associated with crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun. This move has raised questions about the platform’s strategy, Sun’s involvement, and the broader implications for the DeFi space.

Token Swap Highlights Ties to Justin Sun

World Liberty Financial, which positions itself as a DeFi lending platform, executed the swap through its official digital wallet. The transaction involved trading 103 cbBTC tokens for WBTC, marking a notable pivot in the platform’s holdings. Wrapped Bitcoin tokens, such as cbBTC and WBTC, are crucial for enabling Bitcoin holders to engage in decentralized finance on the Ethereum blockchain.

Justin Sun, a high-profile crypto entrepreneur and adviser to World Liberty Financial, distanced himself from the decision, stating, “This is their own financial choice; I have nothing to do with it.” Sun has been a controversial figure in the crypto world, most recently gaining attention for his $6.2 million purchase of a banana duct-taped to a wall at a Sotheby’s auction.

Sun’s $30 million investment in World Liberty Financial in November solidified his role as an adviser and helped Trump’s platform reach a financial threshold enabling it to generate profit.

Legal and Regulatory Backdrop

The swap is the latest development in an ongoing conflict involving wrapped Bitcoin tokens. Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), which launched cbBTC earlier this year, delisted WBTC, citing risks associated with Sun’s alleged control over the asset. BiT Global, the operator of WBTC and a partner of Sun, responded by suing Coinbase to prevent the delisting.

In a significant legal victory for Coinbase, a federal judge in California denied BiT Global’s request for a temporary restraining order to block the delisting. Coinbase maintained that Sun’s involvement posed “unacceptable risks” to its customers and the integrity of its exchange.

This legal backdrop underscores the complexities of the cryptocurrency landscape, where regulatory scrutiny and disputes over token control are common.

World Liberty Financial’s Expanding Portfolio

The token swap is part of a broader pattern of activity from World Liberty Financial. Last week, the platform acquired notable cryptocurrencies such as AAVE and LINK. Additionally, its wallets received approximately $250,000 worth of ONDO, a token issued by Ondo Finance, which specializes in asset tokenization.

While the platform is yet to become operational, these acquisitions suggest an aggressive strategy to position itself as a key player in the DeFi market.

Implications for DeFi and Wrapped Bitcoin

The swap between cbBTC and WBTC highlights a growing divide in the wrapped Bitcoin market. As a widely adopted wrapped Bitcoin token, WBTC has historically been a staple for Bitcoin integration into DeFi ecosystems. However, its association with Sun and related controversies have raised questions about its reliability and governance.

Coinbase’s cbBTC represents a newer entrant to the market, offering an alternative to WBTC. By distancing itself from Sun, Coinbase aims to provide a more transparent and secure wrapped Bitcoin option.

World Liberty Financial’s decision to align with WBTC rather than cbBTC indicates a calculated risk, potentially betting on Sun’s influence to strengthen its market position. However, this move also exposes the platform to regulatory and reputational risks associated with Sun’s controversial history.

What’s Next for Trump’s Crypto Platform?

World Liberty Financial’s activities have sparked curiosity and controversy in equal measure. With high-profile figures like Trump and Sun at its helm, the platform is uniquely positioned to make waves in the crypto industry.

However, its success hinges on overcoming several challenges:

Regulatory Scrutiny: The platform must navigate the increasingly strict regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies.

Market Trust: Aligning with contentious figures like Sun may erode investor confidence.

Operational Launch: World Liberty Financial must transition from an active wallet to a fully operational DeFi platform to prove its viability.

The Bottom Line

Trump’s crypto platform, World Liberty Financial, has taken a bold step with its $10 million token swap involving Justin Sun-associated WBTC. While the move positions the platform strategically in the DeFi space, it also invites scrutiny and controversy.

As the platform continues to build its portfolio and navigate legal challenges, its long-term success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with transparency and trust. Whether this latest move signals strength or a misstep remains to be seen in the evolving world of cryptocurrency.

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On December 19, 2024, the cryptocurrency market faced a sharp and sudden downturn, with major digital assets experiencing significant losses. Investors were left scrambling as market leaders like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) saw dramatic price declines. This recent cryptocurrency market downturn has reignited concerns about the volatility of digital assets and their future trajectory.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Take the Lead in Losses

Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell 4.6%, slipping below the $100,000 mark to $98,877. Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, faced even steeper losses, plunging 9.02% to $3,511.78.

Other major players also faced significant setbacks:

Binance Coin (BNB) dropped 6.05% to $670.68.

XRP declined 7.66% to $2.29.

Cardano (ADA) saw a dramatic 14.32% drop to $0.895.

Even meme-inspired Dogecoin (DOGE) wasn’t spared, tumbling 17.49% to $0.318. Across the board, these losses have rattled investor confidence, prompting questions about the underlying causes of the decline.

Market Sentiment Turns Bearish

The cryptocurrency market downturn is being attributed to a combination of profit-taking by long-term holders and a shift in broader market sentiment. According to analysts, the sell-off triggered a wave of liquidations that exacerbated price drops.

Aave (AAVE), a prominent DeFi platform, experienced significant fallout from these liquidations, with its price declining over 6% in just a week. Reports show that approximately $5.13 million in positions were liquidated, further intensifying the bearish momentum.

This wave of liquidations reflects the high volatility of the cryptocurrency market, where small triggers can lead to large-scale declines.

What’s Driving the Cryptocurrency Market Downturn?

Several factors contributed to Thursday’s sharp decline:

Profit-Taking: After a year of strong performance, many investors likely decided to lock in gains, triggering sell-offs across the market.

Market Overextension: Rapid price increases in recent months may have led to overbought conditions, setting the stage for a correction.

Regulatory Concerns: Increased scrutiny from global regulators continues to weigh on investor sentiment, creating uncertainty about the market’s future.

Macroeconomic Factors: Broader economic instability, including inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions, has added pressure on risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Looking Ahead: What Lies Ahead for Crypto?

While the immediate outlook remains uncertain, analysts are divided on what comes next.

Arthur Hayes, a prominent crypto analyst, warns that January 2025 could bring further turbulence. Hayes has pointed to the political climate, including the upcoming inauguration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is a potential catalyst for increased market volatility.

However, some market participants remain optimistic. Historical data shows that cryptocurrencies have often rebounded from steep corrections, sometimes emerging stronger. The growth of blockchain technology and the increasing adoption of digital assets continue to offer long-term potential.

Lessons for Investors

The recent cryptocurrency market downturn serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in digital asset investments. While cryptocurrencies have delivered impressive returns over the years, they remain highly volatile and susceptible to sudden price swings.

Here are some tips for navigating the market:

Diversify: Spread your investments across multiple asset classes to mitigate risk.

Stay Informed: Keep up with market developments, regulatory changes, and global economic trends.

Assess Risk Tolerance: Only invest what you can afford to lose, as the market can be unpredictable.

The Bottom Line

Thursday’s cryptocurrency market downturn highlights the volatility and unpredictability of digital assets. While the recent losses may concern investors, they also present an opportunity to evaluate market dynamics and prepare for future growth.

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other leading cryptocurrencies remain central to the evolving digital economy. Whether the recent dip marks a temporary setback or the start of a prolonged correction, the cryptocurrency market’s resilience will undoubtedly be tested in the months to come.

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WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Flipster, one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency trading platforms, is proud to announce its recent achievement of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for information security management. This milestone underscores Flipster’s dedication to safeguarding user data and ensuring a secure and trustworthy platform for its users.

This certification enables businesses across industries and organizational sizes to effectively address security risks, protect sensitive data, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By adhering to this standard, organizations demonstrate their commitment to information security and resilience in the face of evolving threats.

Achieving the ISO/IEC 27001 certification represents Flipster’s commitment to transparency, reliability, and trust. It reinforces the platform’s ability to manage user information securely and aligns with its mission to provide a safe and seamless environment for trading and asset management. The certification not only reflects Flipster’s dedication to excellence but also assures customers that their data is handled with the utmost care and security.

With the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, Flipster users can trade and invest with confidence, knowing that the platform is equipped with industry-leading security measures to protect their data and assets.

About Flipster

Flipster is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchanges, offering both futures and spot trading to traders globally. It supports users in capitalizing on market opportunities with ease. Especially known for its lightning-fast perpetual futures listings, Flipster offers 250+ crypto futures pairs tradable with up to 100x leverage with zero trading fees, deep liquidity, and narrow spreads. Core products include:

• Earn Campaign: High APR rewards of up to 22% by depositing USDT, BTC, or ETH.
• Launchpool: Daily USDT rewards through staking, with additional rewards through task-based multipliers.
• Airdrops: Crypto rewards from new and popular crypto projects by completing missions.
• Flipster also offers a range of programs for VIPs, Referrals, and Affiliates. For the latest updates, follow Flipster on X.

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Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX and a macroeconomic strategist at Maelstrom, has issued a stark warning for crypto investors. He predicts significant turbulence in the crypto market around Donald Trump’s potential inauguration in January 2025. Hayes views this anticipated downturn as a short-term correction within the broader crypto bull market cycle.

Crypto Crash Expected in January 2025

According to Hayes, the crypto market correction will likely occur near Trump’s inauguration date of January 20, 2025. Maelstrom, his investment firm, is preparing to scale back its exposure during this volatile period. Hayes plans to strategically reacquire key holdings at discounted prices during the first half of the year, positioning his portfolio for the next growth phase.

“Many traders attempt to time the market but often sell too early and lack the confidence to reinvest at higher prices,” Hayes explained. “This behavior often results in missed opportunities during a bull market. By recognizing this risk, our team is prepared to adapt swiftly if the market defies expectations.”

Trump’s Policies as a Volatility Catalyst

Hayes highlights Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the presidency as a significant catalyst for market instability. He believes Trump’s policies will expose structural weaknesses in the global financial system, ultimately bolstering Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies as long-term investments.

“Trump’s policies compel global leaders to address national economic challenges,” Hayes said. “Even before his potential return, these issues are reinforcing my conviction in the trajectory of financial repression and money printing.”

However, Hayes cautions that crypto investors may overestimate the speed at which Trump can enact transformative changes. He predicts the crypto market will soon recognize the limitations of Trump’s influence, particularly during his first year in office. This realization could trigger a sharp sell-off in cryptocurrencies and related equity trades.

Strategic Preparations for Crypto Market Volatility

To navigate the anticipated volatility, Maelstrom is implementing a dual strategy. The firm plans to reduce exposure during the downturn while maintaining readiness to reenter positions when the crypto market stabilizes.

“Our approach reflects a commitment to buying both market dips and rallies,” Hayes said. “This strategy ensures we capture the full potential of the ongoing bull market.”

Hayes also emphasized the importance of flexibility in investment strategies, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty. His outlook underscores the need for crypto investors to remain vigilant and adaptive to evolving market conditions.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Market

Hayes’ prediction aligns with broader trends in the cryptocurrency space. Major institutions, such as Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), have increasingly integrated Bitcoin into their balance sheets, signaling confidence in its long-term value. However, the sector remains highly susceptible to external events and policy changes, making strategic foresight essential for navigating market fluctuations.

Hayes’ forecast serves as a reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the crypto market. While the anticipated downturn may cause short-term disruptions, it also presents opportunities for strategic investors to capitalize on discounted valuations.

Conclusion

Arthur Hayes’ warning of a crypto market downturn near Trump’s January 2025 inauguration highlights the intricate relationship between political events and market dynamics. By recognizing the potential for short-term volatility and preparing accordingly, investors can position themselves to thrive in the evolving crypto landscape. As Hayes and his team demonstrate, adaptability and strategic planning are critical for navigating the challenges and opportunities within the digital asset space.

The anticipated market correction and the broader implications for the crypto market underscore the importance of staying informed and adaptable in this fast-evolving space. Investors should carefully consider their strategy and timing in the months leading up to this significant event to maximize their gains and mitigate potential risks.

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The city of Vancouver is embarking on a bold journey to integrate Bitcoin into its financial strategies. Mayor Ken Sim’s recently approved motion proposes diversifying the city’s financial reserves and payment options by incorporating Bitcoin (BTC). The motion reflects a growing global interest in digital currencies and their potential to provide stability amid economic volatility.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Bitcoin’s Potential

The approved motion tasks city staff with conducting a comprehensive analysis of Bitcoin’s potential integration. The document, titled “Preserving the City’s Purchasing Power Through Diversification of Financial Reserves – Becoming A Bitcoin Friendly City,” emphasizes the advantages of cryptocurrency. It highlights Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, capped supply, and growing acceptance as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.

The proposal also references cities like Zug and Lugano in Switzerland and El Salvador, which have embraced Bitcoin for payments and financial stability. These examples underline its role as an innovative financial tool for governments worldwide.

Benefits of Bitcoin Integration

Bitcoin offers unique advantages, particularly in preserving purchasing power. According to the motion, traditional fiat currencies have struggled with inflation and volatility. By incorporating Bitcoin, Vancouver could enhance the resilience of its financial portfolio, potentially benefiting taxpayers by safeguarding the value of public funds.

Furthermore, the motion posits that Bitcoin’s use as a payment method for municipal services could streamline operations and align the city with digital financial trends. It also reflects growing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, supported by its 16-year track record and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

Bitcoin mining, often criticized for its energy consumption, is framed as a potential environmental ally in the motion. Research cited indicates that Bitcoin miners frequently use surplus renewable energy, making renewable projects economically viable and stabilizing energy prices. This aspect aligns with Vancouver’s broader commitment to sustainability and decarbonization.

The motion also underscores Bitcoin mining’s role in global development, particularly in underdeveloped regions. By providing financial access and infrastructure, it creates significant social impacts, fostering economic growth and stability in areas that lack traditional banking systems.

Vancouver’s Crypto Legacy

Vancouver’s history with cryptocurrency positions it as a leader in blockchain innovation. The city is home to numerous blockchain companies and was the site of the world’s first Bitcoin ATM, installed in 2013. These milestones underscore Vancouver’s ongoing commitment to fostering a crypto-friendly environment.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the motion outlines numerous benefits, challenges remain. Bitcoin’s price volatility, regulatory complexities, and public skepticism could pose hurdles to its adoption. The city’s analysis will need to address these issues comprehensively to ensure successful implementation.

As Vancouver explores these opportunities, its decision could set a precedent for other cities seeking innovative financial strategies. If successful, this initiative could cement Vancouver’s position as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption and innovation. Additionally, it could open the door for other municipalities to adopt similar frameworks, promoting widespread financial modernization.

Institutional Interest and Global Trends

Major institutions and investors increasingly recognize Bitcoin’s potential. Companies such as Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) have added the crypto to their balance sheets, demonstrating confidence in its long-term value. Vancouver’s exploration mirrors this trend, aiming to align the city’s financial strategies with global shifts in digital finance.

Conclusion

Vancouver’s initiative to integrate Bitcoin into its financial framework highlights its commitment to innovation and sustainability. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, the city could pave the way for broader adoption of cryptocurrencies in municipal governance. With its rich history of blockchain innovation and forward-thinking leadership, Vancouver is poised to lead the charge in the digital financial revolution. The city’s actions could inspire global cities to explore Bitcoin’s potential for enhancing financial resilience and operational efficiency.

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — aarnâ.ai unveiled âfi 802, the first AI powered quant structured product designed to bring a data-driven, risk-managed approach to DeFi. âfi 802 integrates advanced AI models with secure, audited smart contracts, offering investors a structured method to capture market alpha. By focusing on high-confidence trades and dynamic portfolio rebalancing, it’s setting a new standard for intelligent, transparent, and reliable crypto asset management.

Key highlights

• Crypto’s First AI Quant Vault: âfi 802 harnesses AI-driven alpha for smarter & structured investing.
• Next-Gen Asset Management: Redefining decentralized asset management with AI and tokenization.
• AI-Powered Risk-Managed Alpha: Weekly optimized portfolios delivering outlier gains while mitigating downside risks.
• Secure & Transparent: Ethereum-based with audited smart contracts.

Market Reception

The âfi 802 vault debuted in September at Token2049, capturing attention as the crypto’s first AI quant structured product. The event underscored over two years of development for intelligent onchain digital asset management. Response has been robust, and outlier returns of the vault since launch has driven community confidence:

• High Engagement: 500+ visitors engaged with aarnâ’s product, strong interest.
• User Growth: Steady influx of higher-value users deploying stablecoins into âfi 802.
• Staking: Users earn extra APY by staking âfi 802 tokens.
• Investor Confidence: Crypto HNIs back its secure, autonomous model with deployments.
• On track to hit the first $1M in TVL / AUM, and ramp up fast to vault cap of $10Mn
• Multiple liquid crypto investors are in conversations to deploy in early 2025
• Wealth management firms have evinced interest to onboard âfi 802 for their clients in Singapore

Under the hood – AI & Tokenization

Combining AI quant strategies with on-chain automation for advanced crypto investing, the AI model analyzes 90+ features — from blockchain activity, to technical indicators, and sentiment signals, and predicts high-confidence trades while avoiding low-certainty moves. This intelligent system drives weekly portfolio rebalancing, executed autonomously through secure, audited smart contracts.

> User Experience & Accessibility 

aarnâ.ai addresses DeFi’s UX challenge with a mobile-first dApp on iOS, Android, along with the web dApp. The platform allows investors to track essential metrics like Net Asset Value (NAV) and TVL in real time, ensuring transparency. The dApp supports stablecoin deposits (USDC, USDT, DAI), and provides a streamlined experience for both retail and institutional investors to engage with complex DeFi strategies.

> Custody, Liquidity, & Risk

Investors retain custody of their funds and can redeem at NAV at any time, ensuring liquidity. The platform’s adaptive stop-loss system helps guard against sudden market downturns, while the AI model focuses on high-confidence trades. This combination of control, transparency, and risk management seeks to deliver outlier returns while mitigating downside exposure.

The Bigger Picture: Why âfi 802 Matters

High value investors – including HNIs, project treasuries, and whales—need a data-driven, self-custodied approach to managing crypto investments, with minimized counterparty risk and autonomy. âfi 802 is purpose-built, offering a structured, AI-driven model for smarter asset management. Moreover, with its decentralized architecture, aarnâ democratizes access, bringing sophisticated strategies to individual investors too.

aarnâ is backed by an experienced team who have been in the trenches, deeply researching AI and tokenization. Repeat founder, Sri Misra applies a systems thinking led approach to DeFi. From leading M&A in London to founding Milk Mantra—a purpose driven consumer startup backed by Fidelity, Sri Misra & the aarnâ team brings a proven track record. With âfi 802, aarnâ aims to replicate the role that structured products like mutual funds, ETFs and quant funds play in traditional markets.

Aarnâ.ai > âfi 802 tokenized AI alpha

Discover how AI-driven, risk-managed crypto investing can work for you at https://aarna.ai

For inquiries: afi@aarna.ai 

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark on December 5, 2024, this landmark year for the crypto industry is closing on a high note. It has also been a fruitful year for HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, which supported a total of 28 leading crypto projects and funds, continually exploring new frontiers of crypto utility. Recently, HTX Ventures released its 2024 Year In Review, highlighting this year’s key developments in the crypto industry and forecasting market trends for the upcoming year.

Within this report, HTX Ventures highlighted five key sectors that showed encouraging progress in 2024 – the Bitcoin Ecosystem, Infrastructure, Meme Coins, AI, and the TON Ecosystem – and will continue to closely monitor these areas in 2025.

Bitcoin Ecosystem

With Bitcoin dominance reaching 56.81% and Bitcoin spot ETFs now accounting for 5.3% of the total Bitcoin supply, a new market trend has emerged. Bitcoin has solidified its position as the core asset, with spot ETFs acting as liquidity channels, and U.S. listed companies such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) serving as the vehicles to absorb unlimited dollar liquidity.

As a result, it is increasingly essential to further develop Bitcoin’s ecosystem and enhance capital utilization efficiency. It has driven infrastructure projects, including Layer 2s, execution layers, interoperability solutions and security layers, to continuously emerge.

With strong support from macro markets and infrastructure support, HTX Ventures anticipates a further surge in Bitcoin demand over the next two years.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure remained a cornerstone in this year’s crypto investments and funding. The synergy between capital and technology has driven the rapid development of Layer 1, Layer 2,  and middleware projects, among others.

Through ongoing upgrades and construction, the Ethereum ecosystem has improved Layer 2s’ performance and reduced network fees. Other Layer 1s, such as Solana and TRON, achieved active on-chain transactions, attributable to the development of meme coins, and infrastructure like Pump.fun and Sunpump. Layer 0 and cross-chain middleware have made breakthroughs in interoperability, expanding the multi-chain landscape. Modular public blockchains, like Celestia and Monad, offered exceptional performance and flexibility, thus attracting diverse applications. Restaking projects, which aim to enhance network security and capital efficiency, has seen speedy development and gained market attention. Bitcoin Layer 2 has emerged as a new focus in the primary market for its attempt to combine Bitcoin’s security with high-performance scaling solutions.

As HTX Ventures stated, infrastructure is still imperative in this year’s crypto investments and funding. Layer 1 solutions, in particular, now represent the focal point of technical development and exploration within the crypto space, and it is expected to remain a priority for development resources and capital investment in the future.

Meme Coins

The Meme coin sector emerged as a hotspot in the crypto market in 2024, fostering community consensus while integrating with fields like DeFi and GameFi to create new use cases. For example, Solana has actively championed the innovation and growth of meme projects, successfully energizing its ecosystem. As the crypto market environment grows increasingly favorable, more retail investors are expected to enter the market, positioning Meme projects as vital channels for capital inflows.

The Meme coin fair launch sector has gained significant market attention and attracted substantial participants this year. Infrastructure projects such as Pump.fun and SunPump have emerged as top-performing cash flow generators, injecting fresh momentum into Meme coin development. As multi-chain ecosystems mature and real-world use cases expand, Meme coin infrastructure will continue injecting more vitality into this sector.

AI

In 2024, the intersection of Crypto and AI sector has been driving the exploration of several segmented fields such as ZK/OPML for enabling AI on-chain, AI data crowdsourcing, decentralized computing power rental, AI data trading, AI games, and AI agents.

One of the hottest segmented fields is AI agents, which are put on chains to take advantage of the token mechanism to incentivise and bootstrap certain behaviors with the agents, including interacting with smart contracts, trading and querying on behalf of users. In the future, AI agents will gradually become personal butlers and assistants for users, serving them with comprehensive capabilities, such as independent asset issuance, initiation of viral marketing campaigns, formation of DAOs, and even fund management and investment decision-making. Over time, they may develop unique cultures and religions. This deep integration of AI and encryption technology is a groundbreaking evolution that is unattainable within Web2 and cannot be achieved by Web3 relying solely on encryption technology.

TON Ecosystem

Attributable to Telegram’s hundreds of millions of users and robust technical support, the TON (The Open Network) ecosystem has progressively developed into a multi-layered blockchain ecosystem. In 2024, it experienced a full-scale boom in its ecosystem and market presence. From DeFi and meme coins to NFTs and gaming, TON leveraged its massive user base to achieve significant milestones in various fields, pioneering the monetization of Web2 social applications through crypto.

One standout success was the adoption of “tap-to-earn” games with token airdrop incentives, which effectively onboarded a large number of Web2 users. However, as the TON ecosystem moves into 2025, it must explore and find new business models to improve user retention and identify its next growth curve.

2025 Outlook

Donald Trump’s expected repeal of SAB 121 after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, would allow traditional financial institutions to hold crypto assets on their balance sheets, further accelerating the institutionalization of crypto assets. The repeal will not only open up more financing options for crypto but also make spot cryptos more accessible through existing institutional exchanges and partnerships.

At the same time, this regulatory easing is poised to enhance the overall maturity of the institutional crypto market. With the entry of traditional financial institutions, Bitcoin is anticipated to gain stronger support and gradually establish itself as a core dollar-denominated asset, alongside others tied to the dollar industry cycles, such as AI.

HTX Ventures points out that the market is still far from its bull market peak. Against the backdrop of Trump’s fiscal expansion policies and unprecedented crypto-friendly signals, a robust bull market is expected.

To learn more, please visit: https://square.htx.com/htx-ventures-2024-year-in-review/

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.

HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active Fund of Funds (“FOF”) investors, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem. Visit us here.
Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at VC@htx-inc.com

Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
htx@ruderfinn.com 

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NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Report on how AI is redefining market landscape – The global cryptocurrency market size is estimated to grow by USD 34.5 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.64% during the forecast period. Rising investment in digital assets is driving market growth, with a trend towards acceptance of cryptocurrency by retailers. However, volatility in value of cryptocurrency poses a challenge. Key market players include AlphaPoint Corp., Binance Holdings Ltd., Bitcoinforme S.L., Bitfury Group Ltd., CEX.IO Ltd, Coinbase Global Inc., Dogecoin, FMR LLC, Gemini Trust Co. LLC, KuCoin, Ledger SAS, Marathon Digital Holdings Inc, Pantera Capital, Pintu Kemana Saja, Riot Platforms Inc., Ripple Labs Inc., Shiba Inu, WazirX, Xapo Bank Ltd., Cardano, and Valora.

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Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The adoption of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether has gained traction among the public, retailers, and merchants for everyday transactions. In 2022, major retailers, including Starbucks, accepting cryptocurrencies improved public perception and their use for financial transactions. Starbucks currently partners with third-party exchanges for cryptocurrency-to-cash conversions. In April 2022, Starbucks introduced NFTs and cryptocurrencies for payments. Companies such as Tesla, PayPal, Microsoft, and AT&T accept cryptocurrencies for various transactions. Microsoft accepts Bitcoin for digital products and services. AT&T uses the BitPay processor for Bitcoin bill payments. EGifter is a platform for purchasing gift cards with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have a faster growth rate than inflation, providing businesses with a valuable savings option. For small businesses and retailers, accepting cryptocurrency as an alternative payment method is crucial for unexpected circumstances and market growth. 

Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are digital currencies based on decentralized technology called Blockchain. This technology allows secure, transparent transactions without the need for intermediaries. Global adoption of cryptocurrencies is on the rise, but price volatility remains a concern. Cybersecurity and theft risk are significant challenges, with regulatory outlooks varying worldwide. Energy consumption and environmental effects are topics of debate. Skilled developers are in high demand for financial services in this digital revolution. Consumer protection and financial stability are crucial. Digital assets offer investment opportunities, but beware of scams and fraudulent investments. Renewable energy and blockchain talent are keys to a sustainable future. Cryptography and decentralized systems ensure secure transactions on public ledgers. Altcoins, mining, digital wallets, encryption, trading, brokers, and cryptocurrency exchanges are essential components of this market. Fiat currency payment methods include ACH transfers and wire transfers. Hot wallets and cold wallets offer different levels of security. Be cautious of crypto scams, fraud, and romance scams. Bitcoin trusts and mutual funds are investment vehicles. 

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Market Challenges

• The cryptocurrency market is characterized by extreme volatility due to the significant control held by a limited number of investors who trade high volumes on platforms and exchanges. In June 2022, Bitcoin experienced a 10% one-day value drop from its November 2021 peak of USD69,000 per token. Other digital currencies, such as Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, also saw declines of over 15%. The absence of regulations and fees on trading platforms contributes to this volatility, allowing those holding large shares to manipulate value for profit. Major investors, including Accel, Ribbit Capital, and Insight Partners, have chosen not to include cryptocurrency in their portfolios due to these risks, potentially hindering the market’s growth. The recent regulatory announcement in a certain country further exacerbated the market instability, causing significant drops in value for various cryptocurrencies.
• Cryptocurrencies, digital assets, offer financial innovation but bring challenges. Financial stability is a concern due to price volatility. Scams and fraudulent investments pose risks. Renewable energy and blockchain talent are keys to growth. Cryptography and decentralized systems ensure secure transactions on the public ledger. Altcoins, mining, and digital wallets expand the market. Encryption and trading require brokers and cryptocurrency exchanges. Fiat currency transactions via ACH and wire transfers are common payment methods. Hot wallets offer ease, cold wallets ensure security. Crypto scams, fraud, and romance scams threaten investors. Bitcoin trusts, mutual funds, and blockchain stocks offer investment vehicles. E-commerce, luxury goods, insurance payments, and cryptocurrency debit cards broaden use. Security is crucial, with encryption and decentralization providing solutions.

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Segment Overview 

This cryptocurrency market report extensively covers market segmentation by

1. Type 
• 1.1 Bitcoin
• 1.2 Ethereum
• 1.3 Avalanche and others
2. Component 
• 2.1 Hardware
• 2.2 Software
3. Geography 
• 3.1 North America
• 3.2 Europe
• 3.3 APAC
• 3.4 South America
• 3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Bitcoin– Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency with a market capitalization exceeding USD470 billion, is a digital currency that operates without central authorities. Its peer-to-peer (P2P) transfer system has gained global popularity, with 95% of interested parties aware of its existence. Bitcoin‘s market dominance is substantial, surpassing Ethereum‘s market cap by more than double. Tether, USD Coin, Binance USD, and DAI, pegged to the US dollar, are among the top cryptocurrencies in the top-20. In the US, approximately 8% of the population engages in cryptocurrency trading. Bitcoin‘s decentralized system, the blockchain, records all transactions on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and security. This widespread adoption and unique features contribute significantly to the expansion of the global cryptocurrency market.

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Research Analysis

The cryptocurrency market is a dynamic and evolving landscape shaped by the adoption of decentralized currencies built on blockchain technology. This digital revolution offers a decentralized system for financial transactions, enabling peer-to-peer exchanges without intermediaries. Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and a multitude of altcoins are leading the charge. However, the market faces challenges such as price volatility, cybersecurity threats, and theft risks. Regulatory outlooks vary globally, impacting financial services and consumer protection. Energy consumption and environmental effects are also concerns, while the need for skilled developers and blockchain talent continues to grow. Renewable energy solutions and cryptography offer potential solutions to these challenges. Amidst this digital revolution, financial stability and consumer protection remain key priorities. Despite scams and fraudulent investments, the potential for innovation and disruption is immense.

Market Research Overview

Cryptocurrencies, decentralized digital currencies built on blockchain technology, have revolutionized the financial landscape. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, leads the charge in global adoption. However, price volatility remains a significant challenge. Cybersecurity and theft risk are concerns, with regulatory outlooks varying globally. Energy consumption and environmental effects are debated. Skilled developers are in high demand to build and secure the decentralized system. Financial services embrace cryptocurrencies, offering digital wallets, trading platforms, and investment vehicles like Bitcoin trusts and mutual funds. Consumer protection and financial stability are crucial. Renewable energy sources are being explored to reduce cryptocurrency‘s carbon footprint. Blockchain talent, cryptography, and decentralized transactions form the backbone of this digital revolution. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, with altcoins, mining, and cryptocurrency exchanges playing key roles. Digital wallets, encryption, and trading brokers facilitate transactions. Fiat currency payment methods like ACH transfers and wire transfers can be used for cryptocurrency purchases. Hot and cold wallets offer different levels of security. Cryptocurrency scams and fraudulent investments are risks to be aware of. Cryptocurrency debit cards and insurance payments are emerging use cases.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

• Type
• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Avalanche And Others
• Component
• Hardware
• Software
• Geography
• North America
• Europe
• APAC
• South America
• Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio’s comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research
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Media & Marketing Executive
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UK: +44 203 893 3200
Email: media@technavio.com
Website: www.technavio.com/

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2024  /CNW/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has officially kicked off Copy Trading Face-Off: Human vs. Bot Copy Trading competition this week With a 200,000 USDT prize pool available to squad leaders, followers, and voters, the competition offers exciting opportunities for a wide range of participants.

Four days in, the intense showdown between Human Squads and Bot Squads has driven the total trading volume over 1.3 billion USDT and growing. Over 1,100 traders have formed or joined a squad of their choice, with 63% of them opting for the human camp. Thousands more have cast votes in favor of manual versus automated trading, with over 76% of the voters believing the human traders will claim eventual victory over bots.

The heat is still on: the competition is still accepting new participants and will be concluding on Jan. 8, 2025. Upon reaching the targeted total trading volume, the 200,000 USDT prize pool will be fully unlocked:

• Grand Prize: 60% will go to the ultimate winning squad, which must reign over at least two of the three leaderboards: Master Traders’ PnL (%), Followers’ PnL (%), and Average Followers’ PnL (%).
• Rewards All Around: Non-winning squads that come in second will share 20% of the prize pool, ensuring their efforts are rewarded. Additionally, the top 100 traders by trading volume will split 30,000 USDT.
• Prediction Pool: 5% of the prize pool is allocated to 1,000 lucky voters.

Within each squad, Master Traders and Followers will share their winnings proportionally. Registration is required, and restrictions apply.

“We are thrilled to introduce an exciting twist to copy trading—our Human vs. BOT Copytrading Competition,” said Jerry Li, Head of Financial Products at Bybit. “This innovative campaign brings together the best of both worlds, pitting skilled human traders against cutting-edge trading bots. With two dynamic squads, the Human Squad, led by seasoned traders, and the BOT Squad, driven by advanced AI algorithms, users can choose their preferred side and join the action. This competition showcases our commitment to empowering traders with diverse tools while fostering an engaging and competitive environment. It’s not just trading; it’s the future of trading. Let the ultimate challenge begin!”

Bybit Copy Trading provides a dynamic and practical solution for users to enhance their trading strategies while drawing inspiration from others. With just a few clicks, users can follow the trading styles of their preferred trading professionals.

For more information on the competition and terms and conditions, users may visit: Copy Trading Face-Off: Human vs. Bot.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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LONDON, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wirex, a leading Web3 money app, is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Rising Women in Crypto Awards, recognising the incredible contributions of women driving innovation and change in the crypto and blockchain industries.

This year’s awards, supported by media partner BeInCrypto, celebrated women from across the globe who are making waves in their fields. Winners were chosen through a combination of public voting and evaluations by a distinguished panel of industry experts.

2024 Rising Women in Crypto Awards Winners

• Best Blockchain Developer: Courtney Jensen, Ecosystem Engineer at Solana Foundation
• Best Crypto Journalist: Carina Schuster, Editorial Contributor at Forbes Business Development Council
• Best NFT Creator: Amrita Sethi, NFT Artist at Art by Amrita
• Best Founder: Dina Sam‘an, Co-Founder & Managing Director at CoinMENA
• Best Crypto Marketer: Julie Lee, Director of Marketing at Injective Labs
• Best Crypto Influencer: Lavinia Osbourne, Founder of Women in Blockchain Talks
• Best Crypto Compliance Expert: Liat Shetret, Director of Global Policy & Regulation at Elliptic
• Best Web3 UX/UI Designer: Sinlin Yeo, Founder of Web3 UX Community

Thank You to Our Community and Judges

Wirex would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted and supported this initiative. A special thanks to our expert jury, who brought their insights and experience to the selection process:

• Alena Afanaseva, Founder & CEO at BeInCrypto
• Alexandra Overgaag, Founder & CEO of Thrilld Labs
• Elo Gimenez, Global PR Director at Consensys
• Kara Howard, Founder of SI<3>
• Malak Albaw, Chief Investment Officer at AstroMust
• Maria Magenes, VP Strategy at Hype Partners
• Tove Andersson, Entrepreneur, Executive, and Community Builder at KryptoGäris & Bitchcoin
• Olga Yaroshevsky, Managing Director at AIBC
• Simone Maini, CEO at Elliptic

Pavel Matveev, Co-Founder of Wirex, said: “These awards not only celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in blockchain and crypto but also underline the importance of diversity in building a truly innovative industry. At Wirex, we’re proud to support initiatives that empower underrepresented voices and foster a more inclusive future for fintech.”

“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional women who are shaping the future of blockchain and crypto,” said Diana Velychko, PR & Communications Manager and Campaign Coordinator for the Rising Women in Crypto Awards at Wirex. “Their work continues to inspire and drive positive change in the industry.”

The awards, presented annually by Wirex, aim to celebrate and amplify the voices of women making a difference in the world of blockchain and crypto. This initiative highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving the future of the industry.

Notes to editors:

About Wirex

Wirex is a prominent UK-based digital payments platform with over 6 million customers spread across 130 countries. It offers secure accounts, making it easy for users to store, purchase, and exchange multiple currencies seamlessly.  As a principal member of both Visa and Mastercard, Wirex goes beyond traditional services, embracing the evolving trends of Web3 to provide mainstream access to digital finance and wealth management. Having processed transactions totalling $20 billion, Wirex aims to contribute to the adoption of a cashless society by facilitating straightforward transactions in various currencies worldwide. Wirex is simplifying digital payments, making it more accessible and convenient for people across the globe.

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